Conducting Meetings with Food post from Kara Anderson at C3.
Whether you are conducting a lunch and learn or at a sales meeting, food is a very important aspect. Feeding the people you are presenting to will keep them happy and full, however, you do not want it to distract them from the task at hand. Planning a meal that will not distract or be overly messy is key. After all, it can be difficult to gain your audience’s attention to begin with.
Here are five ways to ensure that the food you serve at your next presentation will be a welcomed accessory.
1. Choose food that won’t distract your audience.
The food you serve should be simple. Stay away from crunch items or items that require a lot of work. Chips and queso is absolutely delicious, but the crunch cases so much noise that you or your audience may not may not be able to hear the presentation. On the other hand, food such as salads sometimes requires so much focus for the ‘perfect bite’ that you may find yourself talking to the top of people’s heads. A few sandwich selections from Au Bon Pain, pizza from Bombay Pizza Company or Chinese food from Kim Son are just a few no fuss items that will keep your audience focused.
2. Plan an open discussion.
Planning an open discussion when your audience first sits down to eat is a great way to your meeting. It is a great way for everyone to talk and feel comfortable with each other as they get started on their meal.
3. Choose foods that are not too heavy.
Choosing items that are not too heavy and promote focus will prevent them for hitting that afternoon slump while you are presenting. Lean proteins like salmon, turkey or chicken will fill your audience and not sit like a brick in their stomachs. Be sure to include vegetarian options such as nuts, tofu and beans. Quinoa is one of my favorite grains that is filling, light and a great vegetarian option.
4. Have energizing snacks available.
Will your meeting last longer than your audiences lunch break? Think about providing energizing foods such as dark chocolate and nuts instead of an abundance of coffee or tea to give your audience a snack that will boost their energy and prevent the over caffeinated jitters.
Be sure that you plan every detail of your presentation and do your best to adhere to the time frames you’ve set. People have very busy days and you do not want to mess with anyone’s schedules. If you decide to sit and eat with your group, be sure that they have enough to eat before you make yourself a plate. Always plan how you will end the meeting so that you will have made a great impression while keeping your audience engaged.
Following these simple guidelines will not only make you a successful presenter but a meeting planning pro!
